Albany International (AIN) 10-Q 5 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 23, 2015
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Entity Registrant Name	ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	819793
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	AIN
Common Class A [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		28.8
Common Class B [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		3.2

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME [Abstract]
Net sales	$181,324	$180,307
Cost of goods sold	104,640	105,498
Gross profit	76,684	74,809
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	35,233	39,157
Technical, product engineering, and research expenses	12,301	13,869
Restructuring and other, net	9,001	1,182
Operating income	20,149	20,601
Interest expense, net	2,676	2,918
Other (income)/expenses, net	-3,285	-467
Income before income taxes	20,758	18,150
Income tax expense	8,519	7,457
Net income	12,239	10,693
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	26	72
Net income attributable to the Company	$12,213	$10,621
Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders - Basic	$0.38	$0.33
Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders - Diluted	$0.38	$0.33
Shares of the Company used in computing earnings per share:
Basic	31,882	31,786
Diluted	31,972	31,892
Dividends per share	$0.16	$0.15

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS) [Abstract]
Net income	$12,239	$10,693
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-35,683	-5,228
Amortization of pension liability adjustment:
Prior service (credit)/cost	-1,109	-1,109
Net actuarial loss	1,505	1,328
Payments related to derivatives included in earnings	486	478
Derivative valuation adjustment	-1,107	-360
Income taxes related to items of other comprehensive income/(loss):
Amortization of pension liability adjustment	-139	-88
Payments related to derivatives included in earnings	-190	-186
Derivative valuation adjustment	432	140
Comprehensive (loss)/income	-23,566	5,668
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	27	72
Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to the Company	($23,593)	$5,596

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$170,838	$179,802
Accounts receivable, net	163,409	158,237
Inventories	104,820	107,274
Deferred income taxes	6,576	6,743
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	10,412	8,074
Total current assets	456,055	460,130
Property, plant and equipment, net	380,864	395,113
Intangibles	328	385
Goodwill	65,724	71,680
Income taxes receivable and deferred	65,732	69,540
Other assets	32,916	32,456
Total assets	1,001,619	1,029,304
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Notes and loans payable	496	661
Accounts payable	36,361	34,787
Accrued liabilities	88,987	95,149
Current maturities of long-term debt	50,015	50,015
Income taxes payable and deferred	1,810	2,786
Total current liabilities	177,669	183,398
Long-term debt	232,092	222,096
Other noncurrent liabilities	98,496	103,079
Deferred taxes and other credits	6,918	7,163
Total liabilities	515,175	515,736
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, par value $5.00 per share; authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued
Additional paid-in capital	420,493	418,972
Retained earnings	463,238	456,105
Accumulated items of other comprehensive income:
Translation adjustments	-92,653	-55,240
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments	-49,679	-51,666
Derivative valuation adjustment	-1,240	-861
Treasury stock (Class A), at cost 8,459,498 shares in 2015 and 2014	-257,481	-257,481
Total Company shareholders' equity	482,718	509,869
Noncontrolling interest	3,726	3,699
Total equity	486,444	513,568
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,001,619	1,029,304
Common Class A [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock	37	37
Common Class B [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common Stock	$3	$3

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Preferred Stock, par value per share	$5	$5
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	0	0
Treasury stock, shares	8,459,498	8,459,498
Common Class A [Member]
Common Stock, par value per share	$0.00	$0.00
Common Stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	37,175,813	37,085,489
Common Class B [Member]
Common Stock, par value per share	$0.00	$0.00
Common Stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	3,235,048	3,235,048
Common Stock, shares outstanding	3,235,048	3,235,048

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$12,239	$10,693
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	13,524	14,107
Amortization	1,830	1,801
Change in long-term liabilities, deferred taxes and other credits	-277	-214
Provision for write-off of property, plant and equipment	152	1
Gain on disposition of assets	-1,056
Excess tax benefit of options exercised	-261	-39
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in Class A Common Stock	576	542
Changes in operating assets and liabilities that provide/(use) cash:
Accounts receivable	-13,699	10,964
Inventories	-3,070	-8,996
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-2,705	-2,148
Income taxes prepaid and receivable	84	21
Accounts payable	3,512	-1,294
Accrued liabilities	-1,587	-12,849
Income taxes payable	-398	-1,710
Other, net	-2,455	-2,031
Net cash provided by operating activities	6,409	8,848
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-12,211	-14,603
Purchased software	-33	-294
Proceeds from sale of assets	2,797
Net cash used in investing activities	-9,447	-14,897
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from borrowings	15,274	4,435
Principal payments on debt	-5,443	-6,516
Proceeds from options exercised	685	126
Excess tax benefit of options exercised	261	39
Dividends paid	-5,098	-4,765
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	5,679	-6,681
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-11,605	-1,557
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-8,964	-14,287
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	179,802	222,666
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$170,838	$208,379

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1. Basis of Presentation
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments and elimination of intercompany transactions necessary for a fair presentation of results for such periods. Albany International Corp. (“Albany”) consolidates the financial results of its subsidiaries for all periods presented. The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with “Risk Factors,” “ Legal Proceedings,” “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation,” “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in Items 1A, 3, 7, 7A and 8, respectively, of the Albany International Corp. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in Albany International Corp.'s Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Noncontrolling_Interest

Noncontrolling Interest	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest	2. Noncontrolling Interest
	The table below presents a reconciliation of income attributable to the noncontrolling interest and noncontrolling equity:
		Three months ended
		March 31,
	(in thousands, except percentages)	2015			2014
	Net income of Albany Safran Composites, LLC (ASC)	$	511		$	967
	Return attributable to the Company's preferred holding		(255	)		(246	)
	Net income of ASC available for common ownership		256			721
	Ownership percentage of noncontrolling shareholder		10	%		10	%
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	$	26		$	72
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year	$	3,699		$	3,482
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		26			72
	Changes in other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest		1			-
	Noncontrolling interest, year to date	$	3,726		$	3,554

Reportable_Segments

Reportable Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Reportable Segments	3. Reportable Segments
	The following tables show data by reportable segment, reconciled to consolidated totals included in the financial statements:
		Three months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Net sales
	Machine Clothing	$	158,494		$	164,088
	Albany Engineered Composites		22,830			16,219
	Consolidated total	$	181,324		$	180,307
	Operating income
	Machine Clothing	$	35,689		$	36,142
	Albany Engineered Composites		(3,811	)		(3,475	)
	Corporate expenses		(11,729	)		(12,066	)
	Operating income before reconciling items		20,149			20,601
	Reconciling items:
	Interest income		(340	)		(196	)
	Interest expense		3,016			3,114
	Other expense/(income), net		(3,285	)		(467	)
	Income before income taxes	$	20,758		$	18,150
	The table below presents restructuring costs by reportable segment (also see Note 5):
		Three months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Restructuring expense
	Machine Clothing	$	9,001		$	862
	Albany Engineered Composites		-			320
	Consolidated total	$	9,001		$	1,182
	2015 Machine Clothing restructuring expense was principally related to the announced plan to discontinue manufacturing operations at its press fabric manufacturing facility in Germany. Machine Clothing restructuring costs in 2014 were principally related to restructuring actions in France.  Albany Engineered Composites restructuring expense in 2014 was related to organizational changes.
	There were no material changes in the total assets of the reportable segments during this period.

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	4. Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
	Pension Plans
	The Company has defined benefit pension plans covering certain U.S. and non-U.S. employees. The U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan has been closed to new participants since October 1998 and, as of February 2009, benefits accrued under this plan were frozen. As a result of the freeze, employees covered by the pension plan will receive, at retirement, benefits already accrued through February 2009, but no new benefits accrue after that date. Benefit accruals under the U.S. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") were similarly frozen. The eligibility, benefit formulas, and contribution requirements for plans outside of the U.S. vary by location.
	Other Postretirement Benefits
	The Company also provides certain postretirement life insurance benefits to retired employees in the U.S. and Canada. The Company accrues the cost of providing postretirement benefits during the active service period of the employees. The Company currently funds the plan as claims are paid.
	The composition of the net periodic benefit plan cost for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:
		Pension plans						Other postretirement benefits
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	790		$	825		$	83		$	79
	Interest cost		2,013			2,359			610			686
	Expected return on assets		(2,235	)		(2,371	)		-			-
	Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)		13			13			(1,122	)		(1,122	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		670			601			835			727
	Curtailment gain		-			(493	)		-			-
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,251		$	934		$	406		$	370

Restructuring

Restructuring	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring [Abstract]
Restructuring	5. Restructuring
	During the first quarter of 2015, the Company announced a plan to discontinue manufacturing operations at its press fabric manufacturing facility in Göppingen, Germany.   The restructuring program was driven by the Company's need to balance manufacturing capacity with demand.  In April 2015, we completed negotiations and reached agreement on the restructuring plan with the Works Council.  Approximately 50 employees will be terminated under this plan, and the restructuring expense recorded in the first quarter of 2015 reflects our estimate of the severance costs.  Manufacturing operations will be discontinued in the second quarter of 2015.  It is likely that we will record additional charges for asset impairments, but the amounts are presently not estimable.  Whereas the affected employees are related to manufacturing operations, cost savings associated with this action will flow through Cost of goods sold.
	Machine Clothing restructuring costs in 2014 were principally related to restructuring actions in France.  Albany Engineered Composites restructuring expense in 2014 was related to organizational changes.
	The following table summarizes charges reported in the Statements of Income under “Restructuring and other, net”:
		Three months ended
		March 31,
	(in thousands)		2015			2014
	Machine Clothing		$		9,001	$		862
	Albany Engineered Composites				-			320
	Total		$		9,001	$		1,182
	Three months ended March 31, 2015		Total			Termination and			Impairment of			Benefit plan
			restructuring			other costs			plant and			curtailment/
	(in thousands)		costs incurred						equipment			settlement
	Machine Clothing		$	9,001		$	9,001		$	-		$	-
	Albany Engineered Composites			-			-			-			-
	Total		$	9,001		$	9,001		$	-		$	-
	Three months ended March 31, 2014		Total			Termination and			Impairment of			Benefit plan
			restructuring			other costs			plant and			curtailment/
	(in thousands)		costs incurred						equipment			settlement
	Machine Clothing		$	862		$	1,355		$	-		$	(493	)
	Albany Engineered Composites			320			320			-			-
	Total		$	1,182		$	1,675		$	-		$	(493	)
	We expect that substantially all Accrued liabilities for restructuring will be paid within one year. The table below presents year-to-date changes in restructuring liabilities for 2015 and 2014, all of which related to termination costs:
			December 31,			Restructuring						Currency			March 31,
	(in thousands)		2014			charges accrued			Payments			translation/other			2015
	Total Termination costs		$	1,874		$	9,001		$	(2,122	)	$	(228	)	$	8,525
			December 31,			Restructuring						Currency			March 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			charges accrued			Payments			translation/other			2014
	Total Termination costs		$	9,656		$	1,182		$	(4 633	)	$	481		$	6 686

Other_IncomeExpense_net

Other (Income)/Expense, net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other (Income)/Expense, net [Abstract]
Other (Income)/Expense, net	6. Other (Income)/Expenses, net
	The components of Other (income)/expenses, net, are:
		Three months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Currency transactions	$	(2,427	)	$	(505	)
	Bank fees and amortization of debt issuance costs		311			312
	Gain on sale of investment		(872	)		-
	Other		(297	)		(274	)
	Total	$	(3,285	)	$	(467	)
	In March 2015, the Company sold its total equity investment in an unaffiliated company. The value of the investment was written off in 2004, resulting in a gain of $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2015.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	7. Income Taxes
	The following table presents components of income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
			Three months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Income tax based on income from continuing operations, at estimated tax rates of 40.0% and 35.0%, respectively		$	8,300		$	6,353
	Income tax before discrete items			8,300			6,353
	Discrete tax expense:
	Provision for/resolution of tax audits and contingencies, net			83			880
	Adjustments to prior period tax liabilities			45			224
	Enacted tax legislation			91			-
	Total income tax expense		$	8,519		$	7,457
	The first quarter estimated effective tax rate on continuing operations was 40.0 percent in 2015, as compared to 35.0 percent for the same period in 2014.
	The Company records the residual U.S. and foreign taxes on certain amounts of current year foreign earnings that have been targeted for repatriation to the U.S. As a result, such amounts are not considered to be permanently reinvested, and the Company accrued as part of the income tax provision before discrete items, for the residual taxes on these earnings to the extent they cannot be repatriated in a tax-free manner. At March 31, 2015 the Company reported a deferred tax liability of $3.7 million on $59.4 million of prior year non-U.S. earnings that had been targeted for future repatriation to the U.S.
	We conduct business globally and, as a result, the Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions.  In the normal course of business we are subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world, including major jurisdictions such as the United States, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, and Switzerland. The open tax years in these jurisdictions range from 2000 to 2014. We are currently under audit in the U.S. and in other non-U.S. tax jurisdictions, including but not limited to Canada, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
	It is reasonably possible that over the next twelve months the amount of unrecognized tax benefits may change within a range of a net increase of $8.8 million to a net decrease of $2.4 million, from the reevaluation of uncertain tax positions arising in examinations, in appeals, or in the courts, or from the closure of tax statutes.
	The Company recognized current and deferred tax benefits of approximately $25.3 million on their corporate income tax returns filed in Germany related to a 1999 reorganization that have been challenged by the German tax authorities in the course of an audit.  In 2008 the German Federal Tax Court (FTC) denied tax benefits to other taxpayers in a case involving German tax laws relevant to our reorganization. One of these cases involved a non-German party, and in the ruling in that case, the FTC acknowledged that the German law in question may be violative of European Union (EU) principles and referred the issue to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for its determination on this issue. In September 2009, the ECJ issued an opinion in this case that is generally favorable to the other taxpayer and referred the case back to the FTC for further consideration. In May 2010 the FTC released its decision, in which it resolved certain tax issues that may be relevant to our audit and remanded the case to a lower court for further development.  In 2012, the lower court decided in favor of the taxpayer and the government appealed the findings to the FTC.  On July 2, 2014, The FTC conducted a hearing in the aforementioned case involving the other taxpayer, and the taxpayer lost.  The final written decision of the FTC was published during the fourth quarter of 2014.  Although the decision of the FTC in the case is not determinative of the outcome in our case, management viewed the conclusion of this matter as an opportunity to approach the German tax authorities with the goal of a settlement agreement.  We were required to pay tax and interest of approximately $14.5 million to the German tax authorities in order to pursue our appeal position.  In anticipation of a settlement, a portion of the prepaid taxes and interest along with certain deferred tax assets were adjusted downward by $6.3 million in 2014. The recognition of the uncertain tax position in deferred tax assets was partially offset by a reduction in a valuation allowance that offset the deferred tax assets. The remaining tax benefits sustained on the books are related to current tax benefits that were recognized in earlier tax years. Included in the range above is approximately $8.8 million of tax benefits that will continue to be challenged by the German tax authorities.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	8. Earnings Per Share
	The amounts used in computing earnings per share and the weighted average number of shares of potentially dilutive securities are as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,
	(in thousands, except market price and earnings per share)	2015		2014
	Net income attributable to the Company	$	12,213	$	10,621
	Weighted average number of shares:
	Weighted average number of shares used in
	calculating basic net income per share		31,882		31,786
	Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation plans:
	Stock options		90		106
	Weighted average number of shares used in
	calculating diluted net income per share		31,972		31,892
	Average market price of common stock used
	for calculation of dilutive shares	$	37.36	$	35.68
	Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders:
	Basic	$	0.38	$	0.33
	Diluted	$	0.38	$	0.33

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
	The table below presents changes in the components of AOCI for the period December 31, 2014 to March 31, 2015:
	(in thousands)		Translation			Pension and			Derivative			Total Other
			adjustments			postretirement			valuation			Comprehensive
						liability			adjustment			Income
						adjustments
	31-Dec-14		$	(55,240	)	$	(51,666	)	$	(861	)	$	(107,767	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			(37,413	)		1,730			(675	)		(36,358	)
	Interest expense related to swaps reclassified to the Statement of Income, net of tax									296			296
	Pension and postretirement liability adjustments reclassified to Statement of Income, net of tax						257						257
	Net current period other comprehensive income			(37,413	)		1,987			(379	)		(35,805	)
	March 31, 2015		$	(92,653	)	$	(49,679	)	$	(1,240	)	$	(143,572	)
	The table below presents changes in the components of AOCI for the period December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014:
	(in thousands)		Translation			Pension and			Derivative			Total Other
			adjustments			postretirement			valuation			Comprehensive
						liability			adjustment			Income
						adjustments
	31-Dec-13		$	(138	)	$	(48,383	)	$	(977	)	$	(49,498	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			(5,599	)		371			(220	)		(5,448	)
	Interest expense related to swaps reclassified to the Statement of Income, net of tax									292			292
	Pension and postretirement liability adjustments reclassified to Statement of Income, net of tax						131						131
	Net current period other comprehensive income			(5,599	)		502			72			(5,025	)
	March 31, 2014		$	(5,737	)	$	(47,881	)	$	(905	)	$	(54,523	)
	The table below presents the expense/(income) amounts reclassified, and the line items of the Statement of Income that were affected for the periods March 31, 2015 and 2014.
			Three months ended
			March 31,
	(in thousands)		2015			2014
	Pretax Derivative valuation reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
	Payments made on interest rate swaps included in Income before taxes(a)		$	486		$	478
	Income tax effect			(190	)		(186	)
	Effect on net income due to items reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		$	296		$	292
	Pretax pension and postretirement liabilities reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
	Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)		$	(1,109	)	$	(1,109	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss			1,505			1,328
	Total pretax amount reclassified (b)			396			219
	Income tax effect			(139	)		(88	)
	Effect on net income due to items reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		$	257		$	131
		(a)	Included in Interest expense.
		(b)	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 4).

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable	10. Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable includes trade receivables and revenue in excess of progress billings on long-term contracts in the Albany Engineered Composites business. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company determines the allowance based on historical write-off experience, customer-specific facts and economic conditions. If the financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, accounts receivable consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Trade and other accounts receivable	$	133,219		$	$136,479
	Bank promissory notes		17,156			17,426
	Revenue in excess of progress billings		20,909			13,045
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		(7,875	)		(8,713	)
	Total accounts receivable	$	163,409		$	$158,237
	In connection with certain sales in Asia Pacific, the Company accepts a bank promissory note as customer payment. The notes may be presented for payment at maturity, which is less than one year.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Inventories	11. Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, and are valued at average cost, net of reserves. Costs included in inventory are raw materials, labor, supplies, and allocable depreciation and overhead. The Company maintains reserves for possible impairment in the value of inventories. Such reserves can be specific to certain inventory, or general based on judgments about the overall condition of the inventory. General reserves are established based on percentage write-downs applied to aged inventories, or for inventories that are slow-moving. If actual results differ from estimates, additional inventory write-downs may be necessary. These general reserves for aged inventory are relieved through income only when the inventory is sold.
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, inventories consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Raw materials	$	24,612	$	27,006
	Work in process		43,639		43,512
	Finished goods		36,569		36,756
	Total inventories	$	104,820	$	107,274

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in each business combination. Our reporting units are consistent with our operating segments.
	Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including revenue growth rates, operating margins, discount rates, and future market conditions, among others. Goodwill and other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events, such as significant changes in the business climate, plant closures, changes in product offerings, or other circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
	To determine fair value, we utilize two market-based approaches and an income approach. Under the market-based approaches, we utilize information regarding the Company as well as publicly available industry information to determine earnings multiples and sales multiples. Under the income approach, we determine fair value based on estimated future cash flows of each reporting unit, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of a reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn.
	The entire balance of goodwill on our books is attributable to the Machine Clothing business. There were no amounts at risk due to the large spread between the fair and carrying values.
	We are continuing to amortize certain patents, trade names, customer contracts and technology assets that have finite lives. The changes in intangible assets and goodwill from December 31, 2014 to March 31, 2015, were as follows:
	(in thousands)		31-Dec-14			Amortization			Currency Translation			31-Mar-15
	Amortized intangible assets:
	AEC trade names		$	29		$	(1	)	$	-		$	28
	AEC customer contracts			202			(50	)		-			152
	AEC technology			154			(6	)		-			148
	Total amortized intangible assets		$	$385		$	(57	)	$	-		$	328
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Goodwill		$	71,680		$	-		$	(5,956	)	$	65,724
	Estimated amortization expense of intangibles for the years ending December 31, 2015 through 2019, is as follows:
		Annual amortization
	Year	(in thousands)
	2015			$	231
	2016				29
	2017				29
	2018				29
	2019				29

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	13. Financial Instruments
	Long-term debt, principally to banks and bondholders, consists of:
	(in thousands, except interest rates)	31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Private placement with a fixed interest rate of 6.84%, due 2015 and 2017	$	100,000		$	100,000
	Credit agreement with borrowings outstanding at an end of period interest rate of 2.63% in 2015 and 2.69% in 2014 (including the effect of interest rate hedging transactions, as described below), due in 2018		182,000			172,000
	Various notes and mortgages relative to operations principally outside the United States, at an average end of period rate of 5.5% in 2015 and in 2014, due in varying amounts through 2021		107			111
	Long-term debt		282,107			272,111
	Less: current portion		(50,015	)		(50,015	)
	Long-term debt, net of current portion	$	232,092		$	222,096
	A note agreement and guaranty (“Prudential Agreement”) was entered into in October 2005, and was amended and restated as of September 17, 2010 and March 26, 2013, with the Prudential Insurance Company of America, and certain other purchasers with interest at 6.84% and a maturity date of October 25, 2017. The remaining obligation under the Prudential Agreement has a mandatory payment of $50 million due on October 25, 2015, and the final payment is due October 25, 2017. At the noteholders' election, certain prepayments may also be required in connection with certain asset dispositions or financings. The notes may not otherwise be prepaid without a premium, under certain market conditions. The Prudential Agreement contains customary terms, as well as affirmative covenants, negative covenants, and events of default comparable to those in our current principal credit facility (as described below). For disclosure purposes, we are required to measure the fair value of outstanding debt on a recurring basis. As of March 31, 2015, the fair value of this debt was approximately $109.6 million, and was measured using active market interest rates, which would be considered Level 2 for fair value measurement purposes.
	On March 26, 2013, we entered into a $330 million, unsecured Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Agreement (“Credit Agreement”), under which $182 million of borrowings were outstanding as of March 31, 2015. The Credit Agreement replaces the previous $390 million five-year Credit Agreement made in 2010. The applicable interest rate for borrowings under the Credit Agreement, as well as under the former agreement, is LIBOR plus a spread, based on our leverage ratio at the time of borrowing. At the time of the last borrowing on March 23, 2015, the spread was 1.375%. The spread is based on a pricing grid, which ranges from 1.25% to 1.875%, based on our leverage ratio.
	Our ability to borrow additional amounts under the Credit Agreement is conditional upon the absence of any defaults, as well as the absence of any material adverse change. Based on our maximum leverage ratio and our consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement), and without modification to any other credit agreements, as of March 31, 2015, we would have been able to borrow an additional $148 million under the Credit Agreement.
	On July 16, 2010, we entered into interest rate hedging transactions that have the effect of fixing the LIBOR portion of the effective interest rate (before addition of the spread) on $105 million of the indebtedness drawn under the Credit Agreement at the rate of 2.04% until July 16, 2015. Under the terms of these transactions, we pay the fixed rate of 2.04% and the counterparties pay a floating rate based on the three-month LIBOR rate at each quarterly calculation date, which on January 16, 2015 was 0.26%. The net effect is to fix the effective interest rate on $105 million of indebtedness at 2.04%, plus the applicable spread, until these swap agreements expire. On March 31, 2015, the all-in rate on the $105 million of debt was 3.415%.
	On May 20, 2013, we entered into interest rate hedging transactions for the period July 16, 2015 through March 16, 2018. These transactions have the effect of fixing the LIBOR portion of the effective interest rate (before addition of the spread) on $110 million of indebtedness drawn under the Credit Agreement at the rate of 1.414% during this period. Under the terms of these transactions, we pay the fixed rate of 1.414% and the counterparties pay a floating rate based on the one-month LIBOR rate at each monthly calculation date, which on March 31, 2015 was 0.17625%. The net effect is to fix the effective interest rate on $110 million of indebtedness at 1.414%, plus the applicable spread, during the swap period.
	These interest rate swaps are accounted for as a hedge of future cash flows, as further described in Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. No cash collateral was received or pledged in relation to the swap agreements.
	Under the Credit Agreement and Prudential Agreement, we are currently required to maintain a leverage ratio (as defined in the agreements) of not greater than 3.50 to 1.00 and minimum interest coverage (as defined) of 3.00 to 1.00.
	As of March 31, 2015, our leverage ratio was 1.28 to 1.00 and our interest coverage ratio was 13.94 to 1.00. We may purchase our Common Stock or pay dividends to the extent our leverage ratio remains at or below 3.50 to 1.00, and may make acquisitions with cash provided our leverage ratio would not exceed 3.50 to 1.00 after giving pro forma effect to the acquisition.
	Indebtedness under each of the Prudential Agreement and the Credit Agreement is ranked equally in right of payment to all unsecured senior debt.
	We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of March 31, 2015.

FairValue_Measurements

Fair-Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Fair-Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair-Value Measurements

14. Fair-Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting principles establish a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and include situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we have no Level 3 financial assets or liabilities.

The following table presents the fair-value hierarchy for our Level 1 and Level 2 financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

31-Mar-15

31-Dec-14

Quoted

Significant

Quoted

Significant

prices

other

prices

other

in active

observable

in active

observable

markets

inputs

markets

inputs

(in thousands)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Fair Value

Assets:

Cash equivalents

$

19,391

$

-

$

14,096

$

-

Prepaid expenses and other current assets:

Foreign currency options

286

-

69

-

Other Assets:

Common stock of unaffiliated foreign public company

735

-

701

-

Liabilities:

Other noncurrent liabilities:

Interest rate swap

-

(2,034

)

(a)

-

(1,411

)

(b)

(a)

Net of $3.2 million receivable floating leg and $5.2 million liability fixed leg

(b)

Net of $4.3 million receivable floating leg and $5.7 million liability fixed leg

Cash equivalents include short-term securities that are considered to be highly liquid and easily tradable. These securities are valued using inputs observable in active markets for identical securities.

The common stock of the unaffiliated foreign public company is traded in an active market exchange. The shares are measured at fair value using closing stock prices and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Other assets. The securities are classified as available for sale, and as a result any unrealized gain or loss is recorded in the Shareholders' Equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets rather than in the Consolidated Statements of Income. When the security is sold or impaired, gains and losses are reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is judged to be other than temporary.

Foreign currency instruments are entered into periodically, and consist of foreign currency option contracts and forward contracts that are valued using quoted prices in active markets obtained from independent pricing sources. These instruments are measured using market foreign exchange prices and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Other current assets and Accounts payable, as applicable. Changes in fair value of these instruments are recorded as gains or losses within Other (income)/expenses, net.

When exercised, the foreign currency instruments are net settled with the same financial institution that bought or sold them. For all positions, whether options or forward contracts, there is risk from the possible inability of the financial institution to meet the terms of the contracts and the risk of unfavorable changes in interest and currency rates, which may reduce the value of the instruments. We seek to control risk by evaluating the creditworthiness of counterparties and by monitoring the currency exchange and interest rate markets while reviewing the hedging risks and contracts to ensure compliance with our internal guidelines and policies.

We operate our business in many regions of the world, and currency rate movements can have a significant effect on operating results.

Changes in exchange rates can result in revaluation gains and losses that are recorded in Selling, General and Administrative expenses or Other (income)/expenses, net. Revaluation gains and losses occur when our business units have cash, intercompany (recorded in Other (income)/expenses, net) or third-party trade (recorded in Selling, General and Administrative expenses) receivable or payable balances in a currency other than their local reporting (or functional) currency.

Operating results can also be affected by the translation of sales and costs, for each non-U.S. subsidiary, from the local functional currency to the U.S. dollar. The translation effect on the Consolidated Statement of Income is dependent on our net income or expense position in each non-U.S. currency in which we do business. A net income position exists when sales realized in a particular currency exceed expenses paid in that currency; a net expense position exists if the opposite is true.

The interest rate swaps are accounted for as hedges of future cash flows. The fair value of our interest rate swaps are derived from a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the contract and the interest rate curve, and is included in Other assets and Other noncurrent liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on the swaps will flow through the caption Derivative valuation adjustment in the Shareholders' equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets, to the extent that the hedges are highly effective. As of March 31, 2015, these interest rate swaps were determined to be 100% effective hedges of interest rate cash flow risk. Gains and losses related to the ineffective portion of the hedges will be recognized in the current period in earnings. Amounts accumulated in Other comprehensive income are reclassified as Interest expense, net when the related interest payments (that is, the hedged forecasted transactions) affect earnings. Interest expense related to the swaps totaled $0.5 million for each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Gains/ (losses) related to changes in fair value of derivative instruments that were recognized in Other (income)/expenses, net in the Statements of Income were as follows:

Three months ended

March 31,

(in thousands)

2015

2014

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Forward currency options

$

217

$

74

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Contingencies [Abstract]
Contingencies	15. Contingencies
	Asbestos Litigation
	Albany International Corp. is a defendant in suits brought in various courts in the United States by plaintiffs who allege that they have suffered personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing products that we previously manufactured. We produced asbestos-containing paper machine clothing synthetic dryer fabrics marketed during the period from 1967 to 1976 and used in certain paper mills. Such fabrics generally had a useful life of three to twelve months.
	We were defending 3,813 claims as of March 31, 2015.
	The following table sets forth the number of claims filed, the number of claims settled, dismissed or otherwise resolved, and the aggregate settlement amount during the periods presented:
	Year ended	Opening		Claims		New Claims		Closing		Amounts Paid
	December 31,	Number of		Dismissed,				Number of		(thousands) to
		Claims		Settled, or				Claims		Settle or
				Resolved						Resolve
	2005		29,411		6,257		1,297		24,451	$	504
	2006		24,451		6,841		1,806		19,416		3,879
	2007		19,416		808		190		18,798		15
	2008		18,798		523		110		18,385		52
	2009		18,385		9,482		42		8,945		88
	2010		8,945		3,963		188		5,170		159
	2011		5,170		789		65		4,446		1,111
	2012		4,446		90		107		4,463		530
	2013		4,463		230		66		4,299		78
	2014		4,299		625		147		3,821		437
	As of March 31, 2015		3,821		22		14		3,813	$	69
	We anticipate that additional claims will be filed against the Company and related companies in the future, but are unable to predict the number and timing of such future claims.
	Exposure and disease information sufficient to meaningfully estimate a range of possible loss of a particular claim is typically not available until late in the discovery process, and often not until a trial date is imminent and a settlement demand has been received. For these reasons, we do not believe a meaningful estimate can be made regarding the range of possible loss with respect to pending or future claims.
	While we believe we have meritorious defenses to these claims, we have settled certain claims for amounts we consider reasonable given the facts and circumstances of each case. Our insurer, Liberty Mutual, has defended each case and funded settlements under a standard reservation of rights. As of March 31, 2015 we had resolved, by means of settlement or dismissal, 37,247 claims. The total cost of resolving all claims was $9.3 million. Of this amount, almost 100% was paid by our insurance carrier. The Company's insurer has confirmed that although the coverage limits under two (of approximately 23) primary insurance policies have been exhausted, there still remains approximately $3 million in coverage limits under other applicable primary policies, and $140 million in coverage under excess umbrella coverage policies that should be available with respect to current and future asbestos claims.
	Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc. (“Brandon”), a subsidiary of Geschmay Corp., which is a subsidiary of the Company, is also a separate defendant in many of the asbestos cases in which Albany is named as a defendant. Brandon was defending against 7,730 claims as of March 31, 2015.
	The following table sets forth the number of claims filed, the number of claims settled, dismissed or otherwise resolved, and the aggregate settlement amount during the periods presented:
	Year ended	Opening		Claims		New Claims		Closing		Amounts Paid
	December 31,	Number of		Dismissed,				Number of		(thousands) to
		Claims		Settled, or				Claims		Settle or
				Resolved						Resolve
	2005		9,985		642		223		9,566	$	-
	2006		9,566		1,182		730		9,114		-
	2007		9,114		462		88		8,740		-
	2008		8,740		86		10		8,664		-
	2009		8,664		760		3		7,907		-
	2010		7,907		47		9		7,869		-
	2011		7,869		3		11		7,877		-
	2012		7,877		12		2		7,867		-
	2013		7,867		55		3		7,815		-
	2014		7,815		87		2		7,730		-
	As of March 31, 2015		7,730		-		-		7,730	$	-
	We acquired Geschmay Corp., formerly known as Wangner Systems Corporation, in 1999. Brandon is a wholly owned subsidiary of Geschmay Corp. In 1978, Brandon acquired certain assets from Abney Mills (“Abney”), a South Carolina textile manufacturer. Among the assets acquired by Brandon from Abney were assets of Abney's wholly owned subsidiary, Brandon Sales, Inc. which had sold, among other things, dryer fabrics containing asbestos made by its parent, Abney. Although Brandon manufactured and sold dryer fabrics under its own name subsequent to the asset purchase, none of such fabrics contained asbestos. Because Brandon did not manufacture asbestos-containing products, and because it does not believe that it was the legal successor to, or otherwise responsible for obligations of Abney with respect to products manufactured by Abney, it believes it has strong defenses to the claims that have been asserted against it. As of March 31, 2015, Brandon has resolved, by means of settlement or dismissal, 9,875 claims for a total of $0.2 million. Brandon's insurance carriers initially agreed to pay 88.2% of the total indemnification and defense costs related to these proceedings, subject to the standard reservation of rights. The remaining 11.8% of the costs had been borne directly by Brandon. During 2004, Brandon's insurance carriers agreed to cover 100% of indemnification and defense costs, subject to policy limits and the standard reservation of rights, and to reimburse Brandon for all indemnity and defense costs paid directly by Brandon related to these proceedings.
	For the same reasons set forth above with respect to Albany's claims, as well as the fact that no amounts have been paid to resolve any Brandon claims since 2001, we do not believe a meaningful estimate can be made regarding the range of possible loss with respect to these remaining claims.
	In some of these asbestos cases, the Company is named both as a direct defendant and as the “successor in interest” to Mount Vernon Mills (“Mount Vernon”). We acquired certain assets from Mount Vernon in 1993. Certain plaintiffs allege injury caused by asbestos-containing products alleged to have been sold by Mount Vernon many years prior to this acquisition. Mount Vernon is contractually obligated to indemnify the Company against any liability arising out of such products. We deny any liability for products sold by Mount Vernon prior to the acquisition of the Mount Vernon assets. Pursuant to its contractual indemnification obligations, Mount Vernon has assumed the defense of these claims. On this basis, we have successfully moved for dismissal in a number of actions.
	Although we do not believe, based on currently available information and for the reasons stated above, that a meaningful estimate of a range of possible loss can be made with respect to such claims, based on our understanding of the insurance policies available, how settlement amounts have been allocated to various policies, our settlement experience, the absence of any judgments against the Company or Brandon, the ratio of paper mill claims to total claims filed, and the defenses available, we currently do not anticipate any material liability relating to the resolution of the aforementioned pending proceedings in excess of existing insurance limits.
	Consequently, we currently do not anticipate, based on currently available information, that the ultimate resolution of the aforementioned proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company. Although we cannot predict the number and timing of future claims, based on the foregoing factors and the trends in claims against us to date, we do not anticipate that additional claims likely to be filed against us in the future will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. We are aware that litigation is inherently uncertain, especially when the outcome is dependent primarily on determinations of factual matters to be made by juries.

Changes_in_Shareholders_Equity

Changes in Shareholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Changes in Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Changes in Shareholders' Equity	16. Changes in Shareholders' Equity
	The following table summarizes changes in Shareholders' Equity:
	(in thousands)	Common		Additional		Retained			Accumulated			Treasury			Noncontrolling		Total
		Stock Class		paid		earnings			items of other			stock			Interest		Shareholders'
		A and B		in capital					comprehensive								Equity
									income
	31-Dec-14	$	40	$	418,972	$	456,105		$	(107,767	)	$	(257,481	)	$	3,699	$	513,568
	Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares		-		575		-			-			-			-		575
	Options exercised		-		946		-			-			-			-		946
	Net income attributable to the Company		-		-		12,213			-			-			26		12,239
	Dividends declared		-		-		(5,080	)		-			-			-		(5,080	)
	Cumulative translation adjustments		-		-		-			(37,413	)		-			1		(37,412	)
	Pension and postretirement liability adjustments		-		-		-			1,987			-			-		1,987
	Derivative valuation adjustment		-		-		-			(379	)		-			-		(379	)
	31-Mar-15	$	40	$	420,493	$	463,238		$	(143,572	)	$	(257,481	)	$	3,726	$	486,444

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	17. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, an accounting update was issued regarding which disposals qualify for reporting as discontinued operations. Additionally, new disclosures will apply for discontinued operations. This accounting update was adopted in 2015 and had no effect on our financial statements.
	In June 2014, an accounting update was issued that replaces the existing revenue recognition framework regarding contracts with customers. In April 2015, the FASB proposed a one year delay in the required adoption date. We have not determined the impact of this update on our financial statements.
	In June 2014, an accounting update was issued relating to accounting for share-based payments with a performance target that could be achieved after the requisite service period. The adoption of this accounting guidance will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a significant effect on our financial statements.
	In August 2014, an accounting update was issued relating to how management assesses conditions and events that could raise substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a significant effect on our financial statements.
	In January 2015, an accounting update was issued which simplifies the income statement presentation by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items from U.S. GAAP. The concept of separately presenting an extraordinary item after income from continuing operations will no longer be required. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not expect this update to have a significant effect on our financial statements, absent any future transactions that would have qualified for extraordinary item presentation under the prior guidance.
	In February 2015, amended accounting guidance was issued which changes the evaluation of variable interest entities (VIE) regarding whether they should consolidate limited partnerships and similar entities, or whether fees are paid to a decision maker or service provider, or whether they are held by related parties. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a significant effect on our financial statements.
	In April 2015, an accounting update was issued which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction of that debt, which will result in a minor netting down of our assets and liabilities. This accounting update is effective January 1, 2016; early adoption is permitted.
	In April 2015, an accounting update was issued which clarifies that if a license is acquired as part of fees paid in a cloud computing arrangement, then the license should be accounted for in the same manner as other software licenses. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2016. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a significant effect on our financial statements.

Noncontrolling_Interest_Tables

Noncontrolling Interest (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Schedule of Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Noncontrolling Equity		Three months ended
		March 31,
	(in thousands, except percentages)	2015			2014
	Net income of Albany Safran Composites, LLC (ASC)	$	511		$	967
	Return attributable to the Company's preferred holding		(255	)		(246	)
	Net income of ASC available for common ownership		256			721
	Ownership percentage of noncontrolling shareholder		10	%		10	%
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	$	26		$	72
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year	$	3,699		$	3,482
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		26			72
	Changes in other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest		1			-
	Noncontrolling interest, year to date	$	3,726		$	3,554

Reportable_Segments_Tables

Reportable Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Reportable Segments [Abstract]
Schedule of Financial Data by Reporting Segment		Three months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Net sales
	Machine Clothing	$	158,494		$	164,088
	Albany Engineered Composites		22,830			16,219
	Consolidated total	$	181,324		$	180,307
	Operating income
	Machine Clothing	$	35,689		$	36,142
	Albany Engineered Composites		(3,811	)		(3,475	)
	Corporate expenses		(11,729	)		(12,066	)
	Operating income before reconciling items		20,149			20,601
	Reconciling items:
	Interest income		(340	)		(196	)
	Interest expense		3,016			3,114
	Other expense/(income), net		(3,285	)		(467	)
	Income before income taxes	$	20,758		$	18,150
Schedule of Restructuring Costs by Reporting Segment		Three months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Restructuring expense
	Machine Clothing	$	9,001		$	862
	Albany Engineered Composites		-			320
	Consolidated total	$	9,001		$	1,182

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem1

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Plan Cost		Pension plans						Other postretirement benefits
	(in thousands)	2015			2014			2015			2014
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	790		$	825		$	83		$	79
	Interest cost		2,013			2,359			610			686
	Expected return on assets		(2,235	)		(2,371	)		-			-
	Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)		13			13			(1,122	)		(1,122	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		670			601			835			727
	Curtailment gain		-			(493	)		-			-
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	1,251		$	934		$	406		$	370

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring Charges		Three months ended
		March 31,
	(in thousands)		2015			2014
	Machine Clothing		$		9,001	$		862
	Albany Engineered Composites				-			320
	Total		$		9,001	$		1,182
	Three months ended March 31, 2015		Total			Termination and			Impairment of			Benefit plan
			restructuring			other costs			plant and			curtailment/
	(in thousands)		costs incurred						equipment			settlement
	Machine Clothing		$	9,001		$	9,001		$	-		$	-
	Albany Engineered Composites			-			-			-			-
	Total		$	9,001		$	9,001		$	-		$	-
	Three months ended March 31, 2014		Total			Termination and			Impairment of			Benefit plan
			restructuring			other costs			plant and			curtailment/
	(in thousands)		costs incurred						equipment			settlement
	Machine Clothing		$	862		$	1,355		$	-		$	(493	)
	Albany Engineered Composites			320			320			-			-
	Total		$	1,182		$	1,675		$	-		$	(493	)
Schedule of Restructuring Liability			December 31,			Restructuring						Currency			March 31,
	(in thousands)		2014			charges accrued			Payments			translation/other			2015
	Total Termination costs		$	1,874		$	9,001		$	(2,122	)	$	(228	)	$	8,525
			December 31,			Restructuring						Currency			March 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			charges accrued			Payments			translation/other			2014
	Total Termination costs		$	9,656		$	1,182		$	(4 633	)	$	481		$	6 686

Other_IncomeExpense_net_Tables

Other (Income)/Expense, net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other (Income)/Expense, net [Abstract]
Other (Income)/Expense, Net		Three months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Currency transactions	$	(2,427	)	$	(505	)
	Bank fees and amortization of debt issuance costs		311			312
	Gain on sale of investment		(872	)		-
	Other		(297	)		(274	)
	Total	$	(3,285	)	$	(467	)

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense			Three months ended March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Income tax based on income from continuing operations, at estimated tax rates of 40.0% and 35.0%, respectively		$	8,300		$	6,353
	Income tax before discrete items			8,300			6,353
	Discrete tax expense:
	Provision for/resolution of tax audits and contingencies, net			83			880
	Adjustments to prior period tax liabilities			45			224
	Enacted tax legislation			91			-
	Total income tax expense		$	8,519		$	7,457

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Computing Earnings Per Share		Three months ended March 31,
	(in thousands, except market price and earnings per share)	2015		2014
	Net income attributable to the Company	$	12,213	$	10,621
	Weighted average number of shares:
	Weighted average number of shares used in
	calculating basic net income per share		31,882		31,786
	Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation plans:
	Stock options		90		106
	Weighted average number of shares used in
	calculating diluted net income per share		31,972		31,892
	Average market price of common stock used
	for calculation of dilutive shares	$	37.36	$	35.68
	Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders:
	Basic	$	0.38	$	0.33
	Diluted	$	0.38	$	0.33

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The table below presents changes in the components of AOCI for the period December 31, 2014 to March 31, 2015:
	(in thousands)		Translation			Pension and			Derivative			Total Other
			adjustments			postretirement			valuation			Comprehensive
						liability			adjustment			Income
						adjustments
	31-Dec-14		$	(55,240	)	$	(51,666	)	$	(861	)	$	(107,767	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			(37,413	)		1,730			(675	)		(36,358	)
	Interest expense related to swaps reclassified to the Statement of Income, net of tax									296			296
	Pension and postretirement liability adjustments reclassified to Statement of Income, net of tax						257						257
	Net current period other comprehensive income			(37,413	)		1,987			(379	)		(35,805	)
	March 31, 2015		$	(92,653	)	$	(49,679	)	$	(1,240	)	$	(143,572	)
	The table below presents changes in the components of AOCI for the period December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014:
	(in thousands)		Translation			Pension and			Derivative			Total Other
			adjustments			postretirement			valuation			Comprehensive
						liability			adjustment			Income
						adjustments
	31-Dec-13		$	(138	)	$	(48,383	)	$	(977	)	$	(49,498	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			(5,599	)		371			(220	)		(5,448	)
	Interest expense related to swaps reclassified to the Statement of Income, net of tax									292			292
	Pension and postretirement liability adjustments reclassified to Statement of Income, net of tax						131						131
	Net current period other comprehensive income			(5,599	)		502			72			(5,025	)
	March 31, 2014		$	(5,737	)	$	(47,881	)	$	(905	)	$	(54,523	)
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Reclassified to Statement of Income			Three months ended
			March 31,
	(in thousands)		2015			2014
	Pretax Derivative valuation reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
	Payments made on interest rate swaps included in Income before taxes(a)		$	486		$	478
	Income tax effect			(190	)		(186	)
	Effect on net income due to items reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		$	296		$	292
	Pretax pension and postretirement liabilities reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
	Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)		$	(1,109	)	$	(1,109	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss			1,505			1,328
	Total pretax amount reclassified (b)			396			219
	Income tax effect			(139	)		(88	)
	Effect on net income due to items reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		$	257		$	131
		(a)	Included in Interest expense.
		(b)	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 4).

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	(in thousands)	31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Trade and other accounts receivable	$	133,219		$	$136,479
	Bank promissory notes		17,156			17,426
	Revenue in excess of progress billings		20,909			13,045
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		(7,875	)		(8,713	)
	Total accounts receivable	$	163,409		$	$158,237

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventories [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	(in thousands)	31-Mar-15		31-Dec-14
	Raw materials	$	24,612	$	27,006
	Work in process		43,639		43,512
	Finished goods		36,569		36,756
	Total inventories	$	104,820	$	107,274

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Intangible Assets and Goodwill	(in thousands)		31-Dec-14			Amortization			Currency Translation			31-Mar-15
	Amortized intangible assets:
	AEC trade names		$	29		$	(1	)	$	-		$	28
	AEC customer contracts			202			(50	)		-			152
	AEC technology			154			(6	)		-			148
	Total amortized intangible assets		$	$385		$	(57	)	$	-		$	328
	Unamortized intangible assets:
	Goodwill		$	71,680		$	-		$	(5,956	)	$	65,724
Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense		Annual amortization
	Year	(in thousands)
	2015			$	231
	2016				29
	2017				29
	2018				29
	2019				29

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt	(in thousands, except interest rates)	31-Mar-15			31-Dec-14
	Private placement with a fixed interest rate of 6.84%, due 2015 and 2017	$	100,000		$	100,000
	Credit agreement with borrowings outstanding at an end of period interest rate of 2.63% in 2015 and 2.69% in 2014 (including the effect of interest rate hedging transactions, as described below), due in 2018		182,000			172,000
	Various notes and mortgages relative to operations principally outside the United States, at an average end of period rate of 5.5% in 2015 and in 2014, due in varying amounts through 2021		107			111
	Long-term debt		282,107			272,111
	Less: current portion		(50,015	)		(50,015	)
	Long-term debt, net of current portion	$	232,092		$	222,096

FairValue_Measurements_Tables

Fair-Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Fair-Value Measurements [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

31-Mar-15

31-Dec-14

Quoted

Significant

Quoted

Significant

prices

other

prices

other

in active

observable

in active

observable

markets

inputs

markets

inputs

(in thousands)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Fair Value

Assets:

Cash equivalents

$

19,391

$

-

$

14,096

$

-

Prepaid expenses and other current assets:

Foreign currency options

286

-

69

-

Other Assets:

Common stock of unaffiliated foreign public company

735

-

701

-

Liabilities:

Other noncurrent liabilities:

Interest rate swap

-

(2,034

)

(a)

-

(1,411

)

(b)

(a)

Net of $3.2 million receivable floating leg and $5.2 million liability fixed leg

(b)

Net of $4.3 million receivable floating leg and $5.7 million liability fixed leg

Schedule of (Losses)/Gains on Changes in Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

Three months ended

March 31,

(in thousands)

2015

2014

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Forward currency options

$

217

$

74

Contingencies_Tables

Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule of Changes in Claims	Year ended	Opening		Claims		New Claims		Closing		Amounts Paid
	December 31,	Number of		Dismissed,				Number of		(thousands) to
		Claims		Settled, or				Claims		Settle or
				Resolved						Resolve
	2005		29,411		6,257		1,297		24,451	$	504
	2006		24,451		6,841		1,806		19,416		3,879
	2007		19,416		808		190		18,798		15
	2008		18,798		523		110		18,385		52
	2009		18,385		9,482		42		8,945		88
	2010		8,945		3,963		188		5,170		159
	2011		5,170		789		65		4,446		1,111
	2012		4,446		90		107		4,463		530
	2013		4,463		230		66		4,299		78
	2014		4,299		625		147		3,821		437
	As of March 31, 2015		3,821		22		14		3,813	$	69
Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Changes in Claims	Year ended	Opening		Claims		New Claims		Closing		Amounts Paid
	December 31,	Number of		Dismissed,				Number of		(thousands) to
		Claims		Settled, or				Claims		Settle or
				Resolved						Resolve
	2005		9,985		642		223		9,566	$	-
	2006		9,566		1,182		730		9,114		-
	2007		9,114		462		88		8,740		-
	2008		8,740		86		10		8,664		-
	2009		8,664		760		3		7,907		-
	2010		7,907		47		9		7,869		-
	2011		7,869		3		11		7,877		-
	2012		7,877		12		2		7,867		-
	2013		7,867		55		3		7,815		-
	2014		7,815		87		2		7,730		-
	As of March 31, 2015		7,730		-		-		7,730	$	-

Changes_in_Shareholders_Equity1

Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Changes in Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Activity in Shareholders' Equity	(in thousands)	Common		Additional		Retained			Accumulated			Treasury			Noncontrolling		Total
		Stock Class		paid		earnings			items of other			stock			Interest		Shareholders'
		A and B		in capital					comprehensive								Equity
									income
	31-Dec-14	$	40	$	418,972	$	456,105		$	(107,767	)	$	(257,481	)	$	3,699	$	513,568
	Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares		-		575		-			-			-			-		575
	Options exercised		-		946		-			-			-			-		946
	Net income attributable to the Company		-		-		12,213			-			-			26		12,239
	Dividends declared		-		-		(5,080	)		-			-			-		(5,080	)
	Cumulative translation adjustments		-		-		-			(37,413	)		-			1		(37,412	)
	Pension and postretirement liability adjustments		-		-		-			1,987			-			-		1,987
	Derivative valuation adjustment		-		-		-			(379	)		-			-		(379	)
	31-Mar-15	$	40	$	420,493	$	463,238		$	(143,572	)	$	(257,481	)	$	3,726	$	486,444

Noncontrolling_Interest_Detail

Noncontrolling Interest (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income of Albany Safran Composites, LLC (ASC)	$12,239	$10,693
Net income of ASC available for common ownership	12,213	10,621
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	26	72
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year	3,699
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	26	72
Noncontrolling interest, year to date	3,726
Albany Safran Composites, LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net income of Albany Safran Composites, LLC (ASC)	511	967
Return attributable to the Company's preferred holding	-255	-246
Net income of ASC available for common ownership	256	721
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling shareholder	10.00%	10.00%
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	26	72
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year	3,699	3,482
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	26	72
Changes in other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1
Noncontrolling interest, year to date	$3,726	$3,554

Reportable_Segments_Schedule_o

Reportable Segments (Schedule of Financial Data by Reporting Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$181,324	$180,307
Operating income	20,149	20,601
Other expense/(income), net	-3,285	-467
Income before income taxes	20,758	18,150
Machine Clothing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	158,494	164,088
Operating income	35,689	36,142
Engineered Composites [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	22,830	16,219
Operating income	-3,811	-3,475
Corporate Expenses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	-11,729	-12,066
Significant Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest income	-340	-196
Interest expense	3,016	3,114
Other expense/(income), net	($3,285)	($467)

Reportable_Segments_Schedule_o1

Reportable Segments (Schedule of Restructuring Costs by Reporting Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring expense
Restructuring expense	$9,001	$1,182
Machine Clothing [Member]
Restructuring expense
Restructuring expense	9,001	862
Engineered Composites [Member]
Restructuring expense
Restructuring expense		$320

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem2

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$790	$825
Interest cost	2,013	2,359
Expected return on assets	-2,235	-2,371
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)	13	13
Amortization of net actuarial loss	670	601
Curtailment gain		-493
Net periodic benefit cost	1,251	934
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	83	79
Interest cost	610	686
Expected return on assets
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)	-1,122	-1,122
Amortization of net actuarial loss	835	727
Curtailment gain
Net periodic benefit cost	$406	$370

Restructuring_Narrative_Detail

Restructuring (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	employees
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Reduction in employees	50

Restructuring_Schedule_of_Rest

Restructuring (Schedule of Restructuring Charges) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring and other, net	$9,001	$1,182
Termination and Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring and other, net	9,001	1,675
Impairment of Plant and Equipment [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring and other, net
Benefit Plan Curtailment/ Settlement [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring and other, net		-493
Machine Clothing [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring and other, net	9,001	862
Machine Clothing [Member] | Termination and Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring and other, net	9,001	1,355
Machine Clothing [Member] | Impairment of Plant and Equipment [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring and other, net
Machine Clothing [Member] | Benefit Plan Curtailment/ Settlement [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring and other, net		-493
Engineered Composites [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring and other, net		320
Engineered Composites [Member] | Termination and Other Costs [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring and other, net		320
Engineered Composites [Member] | Impairment of Plant and Equipment [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring and other, net
Engineered Composites [Member] | Benefit Plan Curtailment/ Settlement [Member]
Restructuring and other, net
Restructuring and other, net

Restructuring_Schedule_of_Rest1

Restructuring (Schedule of Restructuring Liability) (Details) (Termination Costs [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Termination Costs [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$1,874	$9,656
Restructuring charges accrued	9,001	1,182
Payments	-2,122	-4,633
Currency translation/other	-228	481
Ending balance	$8,525	$6,686

Other_IncomeExpense_net_Detail

Other (Income)/Expense, net (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other (Income)/Expense, net [Abstract]
Currency transactions	($2,427)	($505)
Bank fees and amortization of debt issuance costs	311	312
Gain on sale of investment	-872
Other	-297	-274
Total	($3,285)	($467)

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Compo

Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income tax based on income from continuing operations, at estimated tax rates of 40.0% and 35.0%, respectively	$8,300	$6,353
Income tax before discrete items	8,300	6,353
Provision for/resolution of tax audits and contingencies, net	83	880
Adjustments to prior period tax liabilities	45	224
Enacted legislation change	91
Total income tax expense	$8,519	$7,457
Estimated tax rate	40.00%	35.00%

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrepatriated foreign earnings	$3.70
Estimated range of change, upper bound	8.8
Estimated range of change, lower bound	-2.4
Income Tax Expense Benefit Estimated Tax Rate	40.00%	35.00%
Federal Ministry of Finance, Germany [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Payment to taxing authority to pursue litigation	14.5
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	25.3
Adjustment of certain deferred tax assets	6.3
Scenario, Plan [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Foreign Earnings Repatriated	$59.40
Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Open tax years	2000
Latest Tax Year [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Open tax years	2014

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_Co

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Computing Earnings Per Share and Weighted Average Number of Shares) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to the Company	$12,213	$10,621
Weighted average number of shares:
Weighted average number of shares used in calculating basic net income per share	31,882	31,786
Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation plans:
Stock options	90	106
Weighted average number of shares used in calculating diluted net income per share	31,972	31,892
Average market price of common stock used for calculation of dilutive shares	$37.36	$35.68
Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders:
Basic	$0.38	$0.33
Diluted	$0.38	$0.33

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	($107,767)	($49,498)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-36,358	-5,448
Interest expense related to swaps reclassified to the Statement of Operations, net of tax	296	292
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments reclassified to Statements of Income, net of tax	257	131
Net current period other comprehensive income	-35,805	-5,025
Ending balance	-143,572	-54,523
Translation Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-55,240	-138
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-37,413	-5,599
Net current period other comprehensive income	-37,413	-5,599
Ending balance	-92,653	-5,737
Pension and Postretirement Liability Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-51,666	-48,383
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	1,730	371
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments reclassified to Statements of Income, net of tax	257	131
Net current period other comprehensive income	1,987	502
Ending balance	-49,679	-47,881
Derivative Valuation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-861	-977
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-675	-220
Interest expense related to swaps reclassified to the Statement of Operations, net of tax	296	292
Net current period other comprehensive income	-379	72
Ending balance	($1,240)	($905)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Schedule of Items Reclassified to Statement of Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total pretax amount reclassified	($20,758)		($18,150)
Income tax effect	8,519		7,457
Effect on net income due to items reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	-12,213		-10,621
Derivative Valuation Adjustment [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Payments made on interest rate swaps included in earnings	486	[1]	478	[1]
Income tax effect	-190		-186
Effect on net income due to items reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	296		292
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total pretax amount reclassified	-1,109		-1,109
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total pretax amount reclassified	1,505		1,328
Pension and Postretirement Liability Adjustments [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total pretax amount reclassified	396	[2]	219	[2]
Income tax effect	-139		-88
Effect on net income due to items reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$257		$131
[1]	Included in Interest expense.
[2]	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 4).

Accounts_Receivable_Details

Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Trade and other accounts receivable	$133,219	$136,479
Bank promissory notes	17,156	17,426
Revenue in excess of progress billings	20,909	13,045
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-7,875	-8,713
Total accounts receivable	$163,409	$158,237

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials	$24,612	$27,006
Work in process	43,639	43,512
Finished goods	36,569	36,756
Total inventories	$104,820	$107,274

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Changes in Intangible Assets and Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Amortized intangible assets:
Beginning balance	$385
Amortization	-57
Currency Translation
Ending balance	328
Goodwill
Beginning balance	71,680
Amortization
Currency translation	-5,956
Ending balance	65,724
AEC Trade Names [Member]
Amortized intangible assets:
Beginning balance	29
Amortization	-1
Currency Translation
Ending balance	28
AEC Customer Contracts [Member]
Amortized intangible assets:
Beginning balance	202
Amortization	-50
Currency Translation
Ending balance	152
AEC Technology [Member]
Amortized intangible assets:
Beginning balance	154
Amortization	-6
Currency Translation
Ending balance	$148

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
2015	$231
2016	29
2017	29
2018	29
2019	$29

Financial_Instruments_Schedule

Financial Instruments (Schedule of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$282,107	$272,111
Less: current portion	-50,015	-50,015
Long-term debt, net of current portion	232,092	222,096
Private Placement, Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	100,000	100,000
Interest rate	6.84%
Maturity date	25-Oct-17
Maturity date range, start	1-Jan-15
Maturity date range, end	31-Dec-17
Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	182,000	172,000
Credit agreement, end of period interest rate	2.63%	2.69%
Year of maturity	2018
Various Notes and Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$107	$111
Various notes and mortgages, average end of period rate	5.50%	5.50%
Maturity date range, end	31-Dec-21

Financial_Instruments_Narrativ

Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 23, 2015	Jan. 16, 2015	Dec. 31, 2010	20-May-13	Jul. 16, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum leverage ratio allowed	3.5
Minimum interest coverage ratio required	3
Leverage ratio	1.28
Interest coverage ratio	13.94
Private Placement, Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	6.84%
Maturity date	25-Oct-17
Payment required on October 25, 2015	$50
Fair value of long-term debt	109.6
Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Year of maturity	2018
Amount of credit facility	330			390
Amount of credit facility outstanding	182
Additional amount that can be borrowed on facility	148
LIBOR spread		1.38%
Effective annual rate	3.42%
LIBOR rate	0.18%		0.26%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR spread	1.25%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR spread	1.88%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notional amount					$110	$105
Fixed interest rate in swap					1.41%	2.04%

FairValue_Measurements_Schedul

Fair-Value Measurements (Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	$19,391,000		$14,096,000
Foreign currency instruments	286,000		69,000
Common stock of foreign public company	735,000		701,000
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents
Foreign currency instruments
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap	-2,034,000	[1]	-1,411,000	[2]
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative liability:
Liability for fixed rate leg	5,200,000		5,700,000
Receivable for floating rate leg	$3,200,000		$4,300,000
[1]	Net of $3.2 million receivable floating leg and $5.2 million liability fixed leg
[2]	Net of $4.3 million receivable floating leg and $5.7 million liability fixed leg

FairValue_Measurements_Narrati

Fair-Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest expense	$500	$500
Hedge effectiveness, percent	100.00%

FairValue_Measurements_Schedul1

Fair-Value Measurements (Schedule of (Losses)/Gains on Changes in Fair Value of Derivative Instruments) (Details) (Foreign Currency Options [Member], Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Foreign Currency Options [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Losses)/gains recognized in income, net	$217	$74

Contingencies_Narrative_Detail

Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (Asbestos Litigation [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2003
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	claims
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total resolved claims, by means of settlement or dismissal	37,247
Total cost of resolution	$9.30
Resolution costs paid by insurance carrier	100.00%
Confirmed insurance coverage	140
Number of policies	23
Other Available Policies [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Confirmed insurance coverage	3
Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc. [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total resolved claims, by means of settlement or dismissal	9,875
Total cost of resolution	$0.20
Resolution costs paid by insurance carrier	100.00%	88.20%
Percent of resolution costs paid by entity		11.80%

Contingencies_Schedule_of_Chan

Contingencies (Schedule of Changes in Claims) (Details) (Asbestos Litigation [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2006	Dec. 31, 2005
	claims	claims	claims	claims	claims	claims	claims	claims	claims	claims	claims
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Opening Number of Claims	3,821	4,299	4,463	4,446	5,170	8,945	18,385	18,798	19,416	24,451	29,411
Claims Dismissed, Settled, or Resolved	22	625	230	90	789	3,963	9,482	523	808	6,841	6,257
New Claims	14	147	66	107	65	188	42	110	190	1,806	1,297
Closing Number of Claims	3,813	3,821	4,299	4,463	4,446	5,170	8,945	18,385	18,798	19,416	24,451
Amounts Paid (thousands) to Settle or Resolve ($)	$69	$437	$78	$530	$1,111	$159	$88	$52	$15	$3,879	$504
Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc. [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Opening Number of Claims	7,730	7,815	7,867	7,877	7,869	7,907	8,664	8,740	9,114	9,566	9,985
Claims Dismissed, Settled, or Resolved		87	55	12	3	47	760	86	462	1,182	642
New Claims		2	3	2	11	9	3	10	88	730	223
Closing Number of Claims	7,730	7,730	7,815	7,867	7,877	7,869	7,907	8,664	8,740	9,114	9,566
Amounts Paid (thousands) to Settle or Resolve ($)

Changes_in_Shareholders_Equity2

Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Balance	$513,568
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares	575
Options exercised	946
Net income	12,239	10,693
Dividends declared	-5,080
Cumulative translation adjustment	-37,412
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments	1,987
Derivative valuation adjustment	-379
Balance	486,444
Common Stock [Member]
Balance	40
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares
Options exercised
Net income
Dividends declared
Cumulative translation adjustment
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments
Derivative valuation adjustment
Balance	40
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Balance	418,972
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares	575
Options exercised	946
Net income
Dividends declared
Cumulative translation adjustment
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments
Derivative valuation adjustment
Balance	420,493
Retained Earnings [Member]
Balance	456,105
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares
Options exercised
Net income	12,213
Dividends declared	-5,080
Cumulative translation adjustment
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments
Derivative valuation adjustment
Balance	463,238
Accumulated Items of Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Balance	-107,767
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares
Options exercised
Net income
Dividends declared
Cumulative translation adjustment	-37,413
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments	1,987
Derivative valuation adjustment	-379
Balance	-143,572
Treasury Stock [Member]
Balance	-257,481
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares
Options exercised
Net income
Dividends declared
Cumulative translation adjustment
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments
Derivative valuation adjustment
Balance	-257,481
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance	3,699
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares
Options exercised
Net income	26
Dividends declared
Cumulative translation adjustment	1
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments
Derivative valuation adjustment
Balance	$3,726